Personal Immigration

Private Life Applications

Private Life Application in the UK

Private life applications in the UK permit individuals who have established significant personal connections in the UK to secure permission to stay.

At MGBe Legal, we help you access the private life route complying with the immigration rules of the UK.

Our professionally qualified immigration lawyers ensure that your application highlights your ties to the UK and secures your permission to stay in the UK. Let us guide you through the complex process of private life applications in the UK.

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Requirement for Private Life applications in the UK  

Children under 18 years old

Children under 18 ho have lived in the UK for at least 7 continuous years, can apply for permission under the private life route.

Young adults aged 18–24

Young adults aged 18–24, may qualify if you have entered the UK as a child and lived in the UK for more than half your life continuously.

Continuous residence requirements

To qualify for a private life application, you must not have been outside the UK for more than 180 days in any 12 months during the qualifying period.

Adults 18 or over with 20 years of continuous residence

If you are an adult aged 18 or over and have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years you may qualify for a private life application, even if you did not have a visa for all of part of your UK residence.

Adults 18 or over with less than 20 years of continuous residence

If you are 18 or over, have spent less than 20 years in the UK and would have very significant problems living in the country you’d have to go to, you may qualify.

English language and life in the UK test

As an adult aged 18 to 64, you must meet the English language requirement and pass the life in the UK test.
  • A valid passport or other official document verifying your identity and nationality. 
  • Biometric residence permit (BRP) or eVisa to prove your current immigration status. (If applicable)
  • All previous passports that you have used during your time in the UK.
  • Proof of passing the life in the UK test for applicants aged 18 to 64 with a unique reference number or test reference ID.
  • Certified translations for any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
  • Supporting documents as per your circumstances like tenancy agreements or utility bills, employment contracts or educational records, evidence of community involvement or social integration.
  • The processing time for the decision is within six months. However, there is no guaranteed processing time, and it may vary based on your application.
  • Do not travel outside the UK before receiving your decision of application, doing so would result in withdrawal of the application.

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  • A valid passport or other official document verifying your identity and nationality. 
  • Biometric residence permit (BRP) or evisa to prove your current immigration status. (If applicable)
  • All previous passports that you have used during your time in the UK.
  • Proof of passing the life in the UK test for applicants aged 18 to 65 with a unique reference number or test reference ID.
  • Certified translations for any documents that are not in English or Welsh.
  • Supporting documents as per your circumstances like tenancy agreements or utility bills, employment contracts or educational records, evidence of community involvement or social integration.
  • The application fee is £2,885 for each person included in your private life application.
  • The processing time for the decision is within six months. However, there is no guaranteed processing time, and it may vary based on your application.
  • Do not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands, or the isle of man before receiving your decision of application, doing so would result in withdrawal of the application.

Process to apply for Private Life in the UK

1Submit your private life application online
First, you need to apply online through the UK visas and immigration (UKVI) website. Ensure you are residing in the UK at the time of the application and apply 28 days before your current immigration status expires.
2Attend your biometric appointment
As part of the private life application process, you will need to book and attend your biometric appointment at a dedicated centre to provide your biometric information. Or, if specified, you can also use the ‘UK immigration: ID check’ app to scan your identity document and create or sign in to your UKVI account.
3Submit your supporting documents
Prepare the required documents before applying and ensure all documents have appropriate translations in English if necessary.
4Await the decision
After submitting your private life application, it may take up to six months for the Home Office to process your application. During this time, avoid international travel because it may lead to withdrawal of your application.

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    FAQs

    1What is considered ‘private life’ under UK immigration rules?
    Private life covers aspects of your personal and family life established while living in the UK.
    2How do I apply for a UK visa based on private life?
    You must demonstrate significant ties to the UK and difficulty relocating abroad.
    3Can children apply for private life leave?
    Yes, children under 18 can apply based on long-term residence or integration in the UK.
    4What documents are required for private life applications?
    Submit evidence of residence, relationships, and reasons why you cannot leave the UK.
    5Can private life applications lead to permanent stay?
    Leave granted on private life grounds may be a path towards settled status or ILR.
    6What is the rule for adults with 20 years of continuous residence?
    Adults who have lived continuously in the UK for at least 20 years may qualify. This is true even if they did not hold a valid visa for all or part of that time.
    7What is the key requirement for young adults (aged 18–24) applying under this route?
    Young adults who entered the UK as children must prove they have lived here continuously for more than half their life. This demonstrates significant ties to the UK.
    8Do I need to meet the English language requirement for this application?
    Yes, all adult applicants aged 18 to 64 must meet the English language requirement. You must also successfully pass the Life in the UK test.
    9What should I do if my supporting documents are not in English?
    You must provide certified English translations for any documents that are not originally in English or Welsh. This is crucial for the Home Office to process your evidence.